University of Maine System task force hears calls for campus closings

Thursday

Feb 26, 2009 at 11:49 AMFeb 26, 2009 at 11:50 AM

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) — A task force exploring changes in the structure of the University of Maine System is meeting in Augusta on Thursday, a day after the first of its nine public forums brought calls for closing some of the system's smaller campuses.

Several speakers at Wednesday's session in Orono suggested that campuses be shut down to help close the system's projected $42 million shortfall over the next four years.

The suggestions came after David Flanagan, who heads the task force, said it is operating under the assumption that the seven campuses would remain in their current locations. Discussions in the past about closing or consolidating the Fort Kent, Presque Isle and Machias campuses have come to naught.

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